Jesus Shares His Life & Love With You

There seems to be more and more awareness of Angel activity in our CommunionFire experiences lately. So here are some notes that may help to clarify some better understanding of how the church views Angels and Angelology. For example: At a recent gathering at the LaMenas I felt the presence of the Lord behind my right shoulder and when I looked the Holy Spirit said, "That is Raphael, He will take you by the hand and help you." FYI - I never heard of Raphael the Archangel. Ronnie pointed this out to me. So I studied about Raphael when I got home and found that He was in the Bible... The Catholic and Orthodox Bible. In effect Raphael was also leading me into the Apocrypha! After 42 years I guess its about time! He is found by name in Tobit.

Raphael reveals himself in a fascinating statement in Chapter 12, as "the angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord" (12:15).

Even though the setting takes place in the eighth century BC, it is thought the book was written after the time of Ezra, and thus it was not included in the shorter Hebrew Canon. However, the book followed Ezra and Nehemiah in the Greek Septuagint Old Testament and has always been considered inspired by both Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. It is part of the Apocrypha in the King James Bible.

Another CF Sister has had multiple CommunionFire experiences back to back to back hearing the sounds, songs and choirs of Angels and others have seen angels or sensed their presence very strong. With all this activity I thought it would be helpful to have some references. Enjoy! and "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2

There are different kinds of angels with different characteristics and roles: cherubim, seraphim, and archangels. It may also be that there are "powers" and "principalities" which further describe rank in the angelic realm, but this is debated. Angels are created beings (Psalm 148:2, 5; Col. 1:16) and ministering spirits (1 Kings 19:5;Psalm 104:4; Luke 16:22). They are normally invisible but can manifest themselves to us (Num. 22:22-31). They carry out the will of God. Some were elected by God not to fall (1 Timothy 5:21). Let's take a look at different types of angels.

Seraphim Seraphim praise God (Isaiah 6:3). The word "seraphim" (singular is saraph) is probably a translation of 'fiery ones' and probably stems from the fiery imagery often associated with the Presence of God (cf. Ezek. 1:27).1 "Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew." (Isaiah 6:2).

Cherubim Cherubim are typically represented with wings, feet, and hands but are also described in different forms as having two faces (Ezek. 41:18) and even four faces (Ezek. 10:21). Cherubim were considered to be angels that guarded sacred things. In Gen. 3:24 they guarded the tree of life. They were over the Ark of the Cove nant on the Mercy Seat (1 Sam. 4:4). See also Psalm 80:1; 99:1. Figures of Cherubs were embroidered on the temple veil (Exodus 26:31; 2 Chron. 3:7) and lavished Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:26ff). "So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life." (Gen. 3:24). See also Exodus 25:18-22; Heb. 9:5.

Archangel The word "archangel" is not found in the Old Testament. References to Michael the archangel appear only in 1 Thess. 4:16 and Jude 9. However, Gabriel, who is considered an archangel, appears in both the OT and NT. In the OT he is found in Dan. 8:15-26 and 9:21-27. In the NT he is mentioned in Luke 1:11-20, 26-38. He seems to be a messenger angel. On the other hand, Michael the archangel seems to be a warrior angel (Rev. 12:7) who does battle (Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1). An interesting note is that in Rom. 8:38, Eph. 1:21, and Col. 1:16, the word 'principalities' is used. In Greek the word has the prefix of arche suggesting archangel. Some think this means there is a hierarchy of angels as is suggested in 1 Pet. 3:22, "who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him." "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first," (1 Thess. 4:16).

Rulers and Powers It is not known if these are a true class of angels or if it is just an expression describing the power of angels. If they are in reference to an angelic rank of some sort, nothing is known of their purpose and appearance. Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."

Fallen angels Fallen angels are those who, with Satan, rebelled against God before the Fall of Adam and Eve. Most Christian scholars agree that one-third of the angels fell. "And another sign appeared in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads were seven diadems. 4And his tail swept away a third of the stars of heaven, and threw them to the earth . . . " (Rev. 12:3-4). The fallen ones await an ultimate and final judgment, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;" (2 Pet. 2:4).

Seraphim These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying.

Cherubim Cherubim rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the nine hierarchies or choirs of angels. The Old Testament does not reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as intercessors or helpers of God. They were closely linked in God's glory. They are manlike in appearance and double-winged and were guardians of God's glory. They symbolized then, God's power and mobility. In the New Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants in the Apocalypse (Rv 4-6). Catholic tradition describes them as angels who have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise Him.

Thrones Thrones are the Angels of pure Humility, Peace and Submisssion. They reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape. The lower Choir of Angels need the Thrones to access God.

Dominions Dominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of God.

Virtues Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.>

Powers Powers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness.

Archangels Archangels are generally taken to mean "chief or leading angel" ( Jude 9; 1 Thes 4:16), they are the most frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. They may be of this or other hierarchies as St. Michael Archangel, who is a princely Seraph. The Archangels have a unique role as God's messenger to the people at critical times in history and salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rv 12:7-9) as in The Annunciation and Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is celebrated throughout the Church Sep 29. A special part of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the "Cherubic Hymn" which celebrates these archangels and the guardian angels particularly.

Of special significance is St. Michael as he has been invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. The Eastern Rite and many others place him over all the angels, as Prince of the Seraphim. He is described as the "chief of princes" and as the leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over Satan and his followers. The angel Gabriel first appeared in the Old Testament in the prophesies of Daniel, he announced the prophecy of 70 weeks (Dn 9:21-27). He appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptist (Lk 1:11). It was also Gabriel which proclaimed the Annunciation of Mary to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour. (Lk 1:26) The angel Raphael first appeared in the book of Tobit (Tobias)Tb 3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He announces "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the throne of God." (Tb 12:15)

Principalities In the New Testament Principalities refers to one type of spiritual (metaphysical) being which are now quite hostile to God and human beings. (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10, 15) Along with the principalities are the powers (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 1 Pt 3:22; 2 Thes 1:7); and cosmological powers (1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col 2:15);Dominions (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16) and thrones (Col1:16). The clarity of the New Testament witness helps see that these beings were created through Christ and for Him (Col 1:16). Given their hostility to God and humans due to sin, Christ's ultimate rule over them (ibid) expresses the reign of the Lord over all in the cosmos. This is the Lordship of Christ, which reveals God's tremendous salvation in conquering sin and death at the cross, and now takes place in the Church. (Eph 3:10)

Angels These angels are closest to the material world and human begins. They deliver the prayers to God and God's answers and other messages to humans. Angels have the capacity to access any and all other Angels at any time. They are the most caring and social to assist those who ask for help.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/angels/angelchoir.php

Friday, 5 October 2012 The Seven Archangels

The most powerful angels are the seven Archangels, “And I saw seven Angels standing in the sight of God…” Revelation 8:2

The battle in Heaven: Lucifer (his name meant the Bearer of Light) became very arrogant and conceited, he thought himself just as worthy as God “I will ascend above the battling with the dragon, and the dragon was fighting, and so were his angels. But they did not prevail, and a place for them was no longer found in heaven. And he was thrown out, that great dragon, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, who seduces the whole world. And he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.” Revelation 12:7-9

There were seven angels from the second lowest choir who were so outraged by the terrible offense to the dignity of the Most High that, though inferior to Lucifer and his legions, positioned themselves between the Throne of God and the offenders, prepared to defend the honor and dignity of God. On seeing this, God was so moved by their heroic love that he elevated them to the position of highest heaven, standing eternally before the Throne of God to carry out God’s Will. God granted them new gifts and graces.

“And from the throne, lightnings and voices and thunders went forth. And there were seven burning lamps before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God.” Revelation 4:5

“Bless Yahweh, all his angels, mighty warriors who fulfill his commands, attentive to the sound of his words.” Psalm 103:20

The good angels who resisted Satan’s temptations were admitted into the immediate vision of God and became firmly rooted in virtue. For this reason, the angels who resisted the first sin are no longer capable of sinning; they have made a permanent and indelible choice to submit to the love of God. The fallen angels, or devils as we now call them, are likewise permanently rooted in sin. It is not possible for a devil to repent of his sins. http://www.saintaquinas.com/angels.html

Sts. Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, ArchangelsThere are three Archangels who are better known as they are mentioned Sacred Scripture they are are Michael, Gabriel and Raphael…In the year 1040, St. Celias made an exhaustive study of the approved writings of the Early Church Fathers up to the 4th Century. Through his studies we have come to know seven of the names of the Archangels, the meaning of their names and the sacrament each is the patron of.

Pope Pius V said in his Bull to the Spanish Clergy, permitting and encouraging the worship of the seven archangels: “One cannot exalt too much these seven rectors of the world, figured by the seven planets, as it is consoling to our century to witness by the grace of God the cult of these seven ardent lights, and of these seven stars reassuming all it’s luster in the Christian republic.” (Les Sept Esprits et l'Histoire de leur Culte; De Mirville's 2nd memoir addressed to the academy. Vol. II. p. 358.)

Fresco of Mary amidst the Seven Archangels St. Maia Degli ChurchIn the 16th Century, Michelangelo was ordered to adorn the church of St. Maria Degli, dedicated to Mary and the Seven Archangels with a fresco of seven Archangels on the altar.

Liturgy to Seven Archangels has been confirmed and was still in practice around the year 1800, it has not been abolished, just not in practice.

Michael the Archangel means "WHO is like unto God?" Patron of the Holy Eucharist.

Michael the ArchangelHis name means "WHO is like unto God?"Patron of the Holy Eucharist.

“He is the Leader of the Armies of Heaven. He defends our souls against the infernal enemy when we call on him, but he also defends Our Lord Who is helpless in the Blessed Sacrament”.

Prayer to St. MichaelSt. Michael the Archangel Defend us in this day of battle! Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray, And do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host,By the Power of God-- Cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen

The Vision of Pope Leo XIII and the Origins of the St. Michael PrayerPope Leo XIIIExactly 33 years to the day prior to the great Miracle of the Sun in Fatima, that is, on October 13, 1884, Pope Leo XIII had a remarkable vision. When the aged Pontiff had finished celebrating Mass in his private Vatican Chapel, attended by a few Cardinals and members of the Vatican staff, he suddenly stopped at the foot of the altar. He stood there for about 10 minutes, as if in a trance, his face ashen white. Then, going immediately from the Chapel to his office, he composed the above prayer to St. Michael, with instructions it be said after all Low Masses everywhere. When asked what had happened, he explained that, as he was about to leave the foot of the altar, he suddenly heard voices - two voices, one kind and gentle, the other guttural and harsh. They seemed to come from near the tabernacle. As he listened, he heard the following conversation: The guttural voice, the voice of Satan in his pride, boasted to Our Lord: "I can destroy your Church."

The gentle voice of Our Lord: "You can? Then go ahead and do so." Satan: "To do so, I need more time and more power."Our Lord: "How much time? How much power?Satan: "75 to 100 years, and a greater power over those who will give themselves over to my service."Our Lord: "You have the time, you will have the power. Do with them what you will."

In 1886, Pope Leo XIII decreed that this prayer to St. Michael be said at the end of "low" Mass (not "high", or sung Masses) throughout the universal Church, along with the Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen); and the practice of the congregation praying these prayers at the end of Mass continued until about 1970, with the introduction of the new rite of the Mass. However, at the end of his Angelus message given in St. Peter’s Square, Sunday, April 24, 1994, Pope John Paul II urged Catholics to recite this prayer to Saint Michael

"The prayer can fortify us for that spiritual battle about which the Letter to the Ephesians speaks [of]: "Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power."(Ephesians 6:10). And to this same battle that the Book of the Apocalypse refers [to], recalling in front of our eyes the image of St. Michael the Archangel (cf. Revelations 12:7). Surely, this scene was very present to Pope Leon XIII, when, at the end of the previous century, he introduced to the entire Church a special prayer to St. Michael: ‘St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil… ’

"Even if today this prayer is no longer recited at the end of the Eucharistic celebration, I invite all to not forget it, but to recite it in order to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and the spirit of this world."

Oh holy St. Michael come to our aid with all the holy angels! Teach us to keep the faith in these times of darkness! Inspire us to fight for our souls and the souls of others! Teach us to win in silence and obedience to God. Teach us to love and be faithful to Mary, Queen of the Angels! Amen.

St. Gabriel Whose name means “God Conquers”

St. GabrielWhose name means “God Conquers”Patron of the Sacrament of Baptism and of communications workers

The name Gabriel also means "man of God," or "God has shown himself mighty." It appears first in the prophesies of Daniel in the Old Testament. The angel announced to Daniel the prophecy of the seventy weeks. He was the angel who appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of St. John the Baptizer. Luke 1:5-7 Finally, he announced to Mary that she would bear a Son Who would be conceived of the Holy Spirit, Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world.

Gabriel only appears by name two passages in Luke. Luke 1:10-20;26-38. In the first passage the angel identified himself as Gabriel, but in the second it is Luke who identified him as Gabriel. The only other named angel in the New Testament is "Michael the archangel" (in Jude 1:9). Gabriel is not called an archangel in the Bible. Believers are expressly warned not to worship angels (in Colossians 2:18-19 and Revelation 19:10).

His shared feast day is September 29th, together with Archangel Michael and Raphael. St. Gabriel is of course, the Archangel of the Annunciation and the Incarnation’s triumph over sin and death.

He is usually depicted with lilies that represent the new purity of the soul through the sacraments of Baptism and Confession, both sacraments made possible by the Redemption. His banner is a declaration of Our Lady’s universal motherhood.

Prayers to St. Gabriel the ArchangelHeavenly Father, through the salutation of the Archangel Gabriel, may we honor the Incarnation of Your Divine Son. Through his faithful intercessions may we strive always to imitate the holy virtues of the Mother of our Savior and respond to our Father, "Be it done unto me according to Thy Word". Archangel Gabriel, please praise our Father for the gift of His Son, praying, one day by His grace, through His Mother, we may all be one fold, one Church, one Shepherd. Amen ~ adapted from the chaplet of St. Gabriel

Oh holy St. Gabriel come to our aid with your legion of angels! Help us to become good servants of Our Lord! Help us to regain and preserve our Baptismal purity that we may become His worthy servants. When we fall, guide us to repentance and confession that we may restore it! Through your intercessions help our souls become havens of peace where Our Lord and Our Lady love to come and rest. Amen

St. Raphael means "God Heals" Patron of the Sacrament of Penance

St. Raphael means "God Heals" Patron of the Sacrament of Penance

Raphael is usually depicted holding a jub of oil for anointing, or a fish which represents the soul and the oil of healing of it’s ailments through the sacrament of confession. The fish is also a reminder of the story of his protection of young Tobias and healing his father Tobit. See the Book of Tobit which can be found only in the Catholic Bible.

“Tobit, or Tobias, is a book in the Old Testament Apocrypha, written (c.200 - 170 BC) in Hebrew or Aramaic and constructed as a didactic romance. It became popular among Hellenistic Jews and Christians in its Greek translation. The book relates how Tobit, a devout Jew in exile in Assyria, and his son Tobias were rewarded for their piety and good deeds. Tobit buried the bodies of executed Jews in Nineveh. Despite this and other good works, he was blinded. As he prayed for God to end his life, Sarah, a widow whose seven husbands have each been killed by the demon Asmodeus on their wedding night, also entreats God to end her misery.

In answer to these prayers, God sends the angel Raphael to Earth to help them. Tobias marries Sarah and, with Raphael's help, overcomes the demon and restores his father's sight. The demonology, magic, and folklore motifs in the story show affinities with ancient Near Eastern stories from 500 BC on.” written by Norman K Gottwaldhttp://www.amightywind.com/treasure/tobitbg.htm

Archangel Raphael is a merciful healer. He has the power to expel demons.

Prayers to St. RaphaelSt. Raphael the Archangel You are Raphael the Healer, You are Raphael the Guide, You are Raphael the Companion, Ever at human sorrow's side. St. Raphael, Angel of health, of true conjugal love, of joy and Divine light, pray for us! Amen ~from the chaplet of St. Raphael

Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God" I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favor (here mention your special intention), and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Uriel the Archangel means “Fire of God” "Flame of God," "Light of God," or even "Sun of God."

St. Uriel the Archangel Patron of the Sacrament of Confirmation

He carries the Sword of Truth for Soldiers of Christ, which we become through this sacrament. This archangel enlightens the minds and the hearts of the faithful with the light of divine truths and the fire of divine love. In some art works, Uriel is often depicted carrying either a book or a scroll, both of which represent wisdom. Another symbol connected with Uriel is an open hand holding a flame, which represents God’s truth.

Fire represents the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the flames of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It also should remind us that our hearts should always burn with love for God like the holiest of Seraphim, like the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. St. Uriel can also be shown carrying the scales by which we are to weigh our actions. It is also a reminder of the Scales of Perfect Justice by which our lives are weighed at our judgement.

Prayer to St. Uriel the ArchangelOh holy St. Uriel, come to our aid with your legion of angels! Intercede for us that our hearts may burn with the fire of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts. Assist us in co-operating with the graces of our confirmation that the gifts of the Holy Ghost may bear much fruit in our souls. Obtain for us the grace to use the sword of truth to pare away all that is not in conformity to the most adorable Will of God in our lives, that we may fully participate in the army of the Church Militant. Amen

Saint Uriel "spirit who stood at the gate of the lost Eden with the fiery sword", light up our mind with the sword of truth so that our hearts are filled with the burning desire of love for the Holy Spirit. Protect us with your flaming sword against all evil. Amen. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us.We place all our trust in thee. Amen

Saint Uriel Angel of Illumination pray for us.

St. Jehudiel means "Praise of God" Patron of the Sacrament of the Sick - Extreme Unction, the anointing of the sick and dying

St. Jehudiel

St. Jehudiel carries the flaming sword of salvation, a symbol of God’s mercy and the crown of the victory of grace which awaits the saints in the next life. It is also a reminder of the crown of sufferings to be endured in this life imitation of Our Lord.

Prayer St. JehudielOh holy St. Jehudiel, you are the powerful and formidable adversary of Beelzebub. Come to our aid with your legion of angels! Accompany us in the combat against the terrible attacks of hell which threaten to annihilate our Holy Mother the Church. Safeguard us at the hour of death and console us with your powerful presence. Intercede for us that we might not perish without the last sacraments and may properly prepare to stand before the terrible seat of judgement. Remove all jealousy from our hearts so that each one of us, through conformity to the Divine Will, become, like you, a living praise to the glory of God in this life and in the next. Amen

Prayer To St. Jhudiel Bearer Of God’s Merciful Love O merciful Archangel, St. Jhudiel, dispenser of God’s eternal and abundant mercy. Because of our sinfulness, we do not deserve God’s forgiveness. Yet, He continually grants us forbearance freely and lovingly. Help us in our determination to overcome our sinful habits and be truly sorry for them. Bring each one of us to true conversion of heart. That we may experience the joy of reconciliation which it brings, without which neither we, as individuals, nor the whole world can know true peace. You who continually intercede for us, listen to our prayers. Present to God our Father all these petitions. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, together with the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

St. Sealtiel: means "Prayer of God" Patron of the Sacrament of Holy Orders

St. Sealtiel

St. Sealtiel carries an incenser which is the symbol of the prayers and offerings of the Divine Sacrifice of the Mass, only through the actions through the ordained.

“And another Angel approached, and he stood before the altar, holding a golden censer. And much incense was given to him, so that he might offer upon the golden altar, which is before the throne of God, the prayers of all the saints. And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended, in the presence of God, from the hand of the Angel.” Revelation 8:3-4

In the Eastern Orthodox Tradition Archangel Salaphiel is also our primary teacher of prayer. We can pray to Archangel Salaphiel for the Lord to grant us this gift of divine prayer.

Prayer to Archangel Sealtiel for PriestsOh holy St. Sealtiel come to my aid with your legion of angels! Intercede to our Almighty and merciful God! Graciously attend to my humble prayers; and make me, whom God has appointed to dispense the heavenly Mysteries through no merits of my own, but only through the infinite bounty of His Mercy, a worthy minister at His sacred altar; that what is set forth by my voice may be confirmed by His Holy Grace. Pray for me that our good Jesus may grant me the grace to be a priest after His own Sacred Heart! Amen ~ adapted from the Raccolta

Prayer to the Archangel Selaphiel O Pure and Holy Archangel St. Selaphiel, you bow to the Almighty Lord offering angelic salutations of praise and thanksgiving. Guide us in our prayer. Like you, we would like to unceasingly pray and worship God the right way.May our lives be like incense pleasing to God. While awaiting for the inevitable time of separation from this material world, may we praise the Holy Trinity in the spirit of true love and humility throughout the days of our life in eternity.Obtain for us these favors _________ and present to God the Father all these petitions through Jesus Christ our Lord together with the Holy Spirit forever and ever.

St. Barachiel: "Blessings of God" Patron of the Sacrament of Matrimony

St.Barachiel

Barachiel carries an abundant basket of bread, the staff of life, symbolizing Christian parenthood and it’s grave responsibilities both spiritual and temporal, to protect and provide for, the children God desires of married couples. He is also a powerful intercessor for the barren as well as for troubled marriages.

He carries in his hand a book, a reminder of the wealth of instructions in the Holy Scripture, the writings of the saints and Papal encyclicals for husbands, wives and children concerning marriage and family life. In iconography he is sometimes shown holding a white rose against his chest, or with rose petals scattered on his clothing. Archangel Barachiel is the angel of God’s blessings. While asking God to bless all our good efforts, let us also appeal to Archangel Barachiel for help. However, we must accept the Lord’s blessing not only for prosperity but also for our cross, i.e. the sorrows without which there is no salvation. May Archangel Barachiel give us strength to carry our blessed crosses. Through the merits of Our Lord Jesus Christ, His passion, death and resurrection, all His disciples are brought to a transforming union with Him. Through His transformation in love, the soul becomes Christ-like. As such, every Christ-like soul becomes, by adoption, the child of the Father.

St. Barachiel is the Archangel who was assigned by God to keep watch over His adopted children, taking care that He and the choirs of angels assigned to the task guard these transformed souls in all their ways, bearing them up in their hands, "lest they dash their feet against the stone on their way to their heavenlyhome." (Psalm 91, 12) -- The Guardian Angels.

Prayer to the Archangel BarachielO Powerful Archangel, St. Barachiel, filled with heaven's glory and splendor, you are rightly called God's benediction. We are God's children placed under your protection and care. Listen to our supplications ___.Grant that through your loving intercession, we may reach our heavenly home one day.Sustain us and protect us from all harm --that we may possess for all eternity the peace and happiness that Jesus has prepared for us in heaven. Present to God the Father all these petitions through Jesus Christ our Lord together with the Holy Spiritforever and ever. Amen.

Parents Prayer to St. BarachielOh Blessed St. Barachiel, obtain for us through your intercession, the fullness of the graces of the most holy sacrament of matrimony. Intercede for us most fervently, in those moments of great duress and temptation, when we are most unlikely to recall your power to intercede for us, that through your benevolent love, you may thwart the efforts of the evil one to harm our marriage, our family and our faith. Be our bulwark against our weaknesses that our union may grow stronger, our family may grow more pious and our faith may grow deeper. St. Barachiel come with your legion of angels to rouse us out of our torpor! Help us and our children to do good and grow in the love of God and Mary. Amen